Whitaker in talks for ‘Watchman’

Oscar-winner may be joining Reeves in film

Forest Whitaker is getting ready to patrol with Keanu Reeves in “The Night Watchman,” the James Ellroy-scripted drama that David Ayer will direct.

Pic, co-financed by Fox Searchlight and New Regency, begins production May 21. Alexandra Milchan, Lucas Foster and Erwin Stoff are producing.

Reeves was set last month (Daily Variety, Feb. 21) to play a member of an elite group of LAPD cops who questions the ruthless tactics he has used to become such an effective force in solving murders and battling gang violence and drugs. Whitaker will play a captain of the elite unit called Ad/Vice.

For Whitaker, film deal would mark his first major pact since he won the Oscar for “The Last King of Scotland.”

Whitaker is set to star with Kate Beckinsale in the Rowan Woods-directed indie “Winged Creatures.” He is also producing the Tim Bui-directed indie “Powder Blue.”